Development Associate – Signature Events

Kids Cancer Care

The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta is passionately dedicated to helping young people affected by cancer and their families survive and thrive in body, mind and spirit. With a vision of providing a cure for every child and care for every family, Kids Cancer Care strives to end childhood cancer, while easing the pain and suffering of the disease through three essential program areas: 1. Camp and Outreach; 2. Research and Hospital; and 3. Education Support and Scholarships.

At Kids Cancer Care, we consider it an honour and privilege to do the work we do. We get to help deserving children and families and we get to see our community at its finest — volunteering, donating, hosting fundraisers and helping others.

We love our work and we love the children and families we serve. We take our jobs seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We pride ourselves on having a fun, vibrant and sometimes quirky team that works, laughs, cries, eats, plays and celebrates together.

We value diversity and the different perspectives and innovative thinking it brings. We like to surround ourselves with creative, kind, and passionate people and we welcome all qualified persons regardless of differences in physical ability, gender identity or sexual orientation, cultural or religious beliefs, or ethnic origins. We realize that what makes us unique makes us remarkable. We believe in the power of diversity and are dedicated to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment at all levels of the organization.

For more information on Kids Cancer Care and our work, please visit us at kidscancercare.ab.ca.

Position Overview

This is a permanent, full-time position reporting to the Interim Manager, Signature Events and Sponsorship. The primary focus of this role is to execute high quality events that enhance the image of Kids Cancer Care and ensure sustainable philanthropic support. Key responsibilities include the planning and execution of Kid Cancer Care’s signature events, mentorship of colleagues in events management and oversight of fundraising platforms.

The Development Associate will ensure that all development efforts further the fundraising objectives and support the vision, mission and values of Kids Cancer Care. This position will manage, and contribute to, the performance of a highly motivated team and provide event leadership to maintain Kids Cancer Care’s strong reputation for high quality events.

The candidate will enjoy meeting people. They will have a track record for achieving fundraising goals and will be an effective fundraising event leader, with excellent planning, budgeting, analytic and organizational abilities. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communications abilities, integrity, high energy, creativity, a collaborative spirit and a team player. Knowledge of Calgary’s, Alberta’s and Canada’s event planning and business sectors.

Key Areas of Responsibility

In accordance with the approved Kids Cancer Care policies, the Development Associate will be responsible for the following areas:

• Ensure the effective management and execution of Kids Cancer Care’s ‘Signature’ events.
• Take the lead on sourcing auction items and managing all aspects of the auction for the Dad & Daughter Gala, from item collection to setup and event-day coordination.
• Be an integral part of the donor stewardship program that serves to enhance the success of the overall fund development program.
• Diligently document and maintain records.

Event Management

Kids Cancer Care’s signature events include: Ride of Courage, Dad & Daughter Gala, and Barley & Smoke.

 Fully manage and direct a couple of Kids Cancer Care’s signature events.

• Lead the planning, organization, and management of each of these events from concept to completion, ensuring they operate smoothly and efficiently. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Recruiting and managing internal and external committees and establishing vision, roles and responsibilities required to achieve and exceed the goals of each event.
  • Plan and coordinate numerous internal committee meetings throughout the planning process to ensure all staff involved in the event is keeping to the event timeline and aware of all events details.
  • Build and continually re-evaluate event critical paths to ensure event success.
  • Oversight of all event committee member deliverables for accuracy and uniformity ex. Review auction website prior to launch, proof all signage and event collateral, ensure all volunteer instructions are clear.
  • Securing the venue(s), rentals, décor, etc. as required by the event.
  • Developing and executing marketing plans and materials.
  • Research and order or purchase all promotional materials required for events i.e. swag, giveaways, prizing, etc.
  • Support auction lead to secure large items for both live and silent auctions.
  • Maintain websites, on-line fundraising portals and other technology platforms required for the events such as Mailchimp and Eventbrite.
  • Create run of show, speaking notes, staff and volunteer role descriptions and duties, and other required documentation for all aspects of the event.
  • Direct all activities from event set-up through to event day overseeing vendor management, signage, staging, venue and/or kitchen coordination, program oversight, AV management, etc.
  • Working with numerous external vendors.
  • Guest experience management from registration through to end of event.
  • Recognition of donors and sponsors.

Leadership

• In concert with the entire development team, create and execute a comprehensive five-year strategic revenue development plan, continually seeking new opportunities for efficient and creative fundraising and cost management strategies.
• Establish and manage specific assigned budgets.
• Focus on team success in achieving all annual fundraising targets.
• Be an integral part of the donor stewardship program that serves to enhance the success of events and community initiatives and the overall fund development program.
• Ensure compliance with Kids Cancer Care policies, CRA, Service Alberta and AGLC regulations and guidelines.
• Actively participate in prospective donor and sponsor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship efforts.

Stewardship and Information Management

• Update and maintain Kids Cancer Care stewardship grid and encourage awareness of required activities across the Revenue Development team.
• Assist in the development of impact reports for donors and sponsors.
• Research potential partners and events and actively look for opportunities to grow all fundraising efforts.
• Maintain accurate system of records.
• Promote Kids Cancer Care as a worthy beneficiary through various marketing initiatives.
• Bring creativity and enthusiasm to the workplace.
• Ensure that Kids Cancer Care fundraising activities and events are of the highest standard by adhering to all charitable and ethical guidelines.
• Support team members to complete projects, working as a team first and foremost.
• Update donor information in Raiser’s Edge NXT in accordance with established standards for Raiser’s Edge NXT usage.

Education, Certifications and Experience

• Three to five years’ experience in event planning, or transferable skills, having successfully executed live events from concept to completion.
• Fluid, flexible, well-organized individual who can adapt and problem solve in an extremely fast-paced, changing environment.
• Exceptional project management skills and planning abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and works well with staff and volunteers.
• Experience working with vendors and negotiating contracts.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment and be self-motivated.
• Strong computer skills and proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid Alberta Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
• Police and vulnerable sectors check required upon hiring (new or done within the last three months).
• Ability to lift 20-30 lbs.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Industry Knowledge

• Knowledgeable and stays current with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Alberta regulations and guidelines regarding fundraising in Canada and specifically, Alberta.
• Knowledgeable and stays current with Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC) legislation, regulation and policy related to charitable groups.
• Ensure that all Kids Cancer Care fund development activities, for both staff and volunteer participants, are fully compliant with both the AFP Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and the Imagine Canada’s Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Stay well-informed of news, activities and trends in the non-profit sector.

Closing Date

Applicants will be accepted until November 4, 2025.

Applications

https://kidscancercarefoundationofalbe.easyapply.co

Note: We are grateful to everyone who applies, but only candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.